When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

MATTHEW 16:13KJV
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Matthew 16:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:13 mean?

Matthew 16:13 describes Jesus arriving in the region of Caesarea Philippi and asking his disciples what people are saying about his identity, specifically referring to himself as "the Son of man." Jesus is inviting his disciples to share the public opinions circulating about who he is.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers while they are traveling in a non-Jewish area known for its diverse religious influences. By calling himself "the Son of man," Jesus uses a title that has roots in Jewish scripture and often points to a human figure with special significance. The question sets the stage for a deeper conversation about his true identity and how it is perceived by others.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:13

  • "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): The Greek word ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) means "man" or "human," and Jesus uses this phrase to refer to himself. This title carries both a sense of humility and, in Jewish tradition, a possible connection to a prophetic or messianic figure.
  • "Whom do men say" (τίνα λέγουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, tina legousin hoi anthrōpoi): The Greek word ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi) means "people" or "humans" in general, not just men. Jesus is asking about the general public's opinion, not just a specific group.

Why Matthew 16:13 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point where Jesus directly addresses the question of his identity, prompting his disciples to think about what sets him apart from other teachers or prophets.
  • The setting in Caesarea Philippi, a place known for its pagan temples and mixed beliefs, highlights the contrast between popular opinions and the unique claims Jesus is about to make.
  • Understanding the use of "Son of man" helps clarify that Jesus is both identifying with humanity and hinting at a deeper, possibly messianic role, which becomes central to the conversation that follows.

Where else these words appear

“Caesarea” Greek G2542 · used in 17 verses

  • Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
  • Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“Philippi” Greek G5376 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
  • Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

“coasts” Greek G3313 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

“asked” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.